Bangladesh has the potential to increase its mango exports to 50,000 metric tons, said Agriculture Secretary Dr. Md. Emdad Ullah Mian. He mentioned that last year, the country exported 1,300 tonnes of mangoes, but with improved agricultural practices, this figure could be much higher.
He said that mangoes produced using Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) are safe for health. That is why such improved farming methods need to be spread across the country to ensure safe mango production.
Dr. Emdad Ullah Mian made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the launch event of safe mango marketing at the “Krishoker Bazar” on Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka on Friday. The program was titled “Marketing of Safe Mangoes Produced by Following Good Agricultural Practices.”
He said that Bangladeshi mangoes are very tasty and of high quality, which creates a demand for them in many countries around the world. However, due to certain limitations, Bangladesh has not been able to fully reach global markets. He emphasized that the government aims to fill these gaps through better farming methods and increase exports. Currently, Bangladeshi mangoes are exported to 38 countries, and this year China has been added to the list. For this, farmers must follow the import rules and standards set by the importing countries.
The Agriculture Secretary also shared that scientists in Bangladesh are working on how to improve the color of mangoes and extend their growing season. While the taste of local mangoes is excellent, there is some confusion in foreign markets about their color. Therefore, researchers are trying to find safe ways to improve both the appearance and shelf-life of mangoes.
He further said that the ministry is working to improve both the production and marketing of mangoes. Several government projects are already underway for this purpose. To overcome export-related challenges, inter-ministerial meetings have been held. He added that discussions are taking place to solve delays and issues with customs and other export processes.
The formal launch of this safe mango marketing initiative is a joint effort by Hortex Foundation and the Partner Project.
These mangoes are grown following Good Agricultural Practices, and the initiative is seen as a major step forward for increasing the export of Bangladeshi fruits.
The event was jointly organized by Hortex Foundation, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), and the Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM). Companies such as Zahera Seed Corporation, Art Agro BD, and SK International also supported the marketing activities.
Among others, the Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension Md. Saiful Alam, the Director General of the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute Nargis Akhter, and the Program Coordinator of the Agriculture and Rural Transformation for Nutrition, Entrepreneurship and Resilience in Bangladesh Project Abul Kalam Azad were present at the event. Dr. Syed Md. Rafiqul Amin, the Managing Director of Hortex Foundation, also attended.
